An Ottawa daycare operator who was sentenced to five years in prison last week for sex crimes against children in his care has been released from jail pending an appeal.

Jeffrey Wills was found guilty of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, sexual exploitation and sexual assault involving the then three- and five-year-old girls in May 2013.

The 41-year-old Wills was released on Monday after spending just four nights in jail. Wills was released on a $2,000 recognizance, including conditions that he reside with his surety, not contact his victims or their families and stays away from parks, swimming pools, schools or other places where children under 16 may be present.

It is not unusual for people convicted and sentenced to jail or prison time to be released on bail pending appeal in cases where the Court of Appeal believes the appeal isn’t frivolous and the person’s continued detention isn’t necessary for the public interest.

At his sentencing hearing on Aug. 10, the court heard from parents of the young victims, who said that Wills’ evil deeds had shattered their lives. Both families have since moved from the neighbourhood.

One father said his daughter is now fearful of men – including him. The mother of the other victim said her family’s world had changed and it felt dirty.